Originally Posted by
Dan64456
I plan on getting my B.S. degree... I'm already 2 years there... Read the rest of the thread and you will see both sides of the story. I'm not attacking people that have degrees, I just hate when people view those without them as less of a person, or not as smart, or not as professional, or whatever. Those who are "credential-obsessed" and pull that card often have an inferiority complex. Not everyone has the same opportunity as a kid to get one, some people have to work to make ends meet right from the beginning, others are spoiled brats and got that diploma without ever having to work a day in their lives... Should the latter get more credit, preferential hiring, or respect? I think not. So I just see it as kind of pointless to gauge a person’s ability or intelligence level based on a college degree that could have been bought for them.
Having studied psychology, I believe you have some issues that stem from your not having a degree. I believe those issues will pass in the event that you graduate with a degree.
You are drawing some very unlikely comparisons about “spoiled brats” with diplomas who have never worked a day. Try getting your head around some upper level Math, Physics, Law, economics, and Business classes and you’ll get a sense of what “working” for a degree is all about. Try taking several classes each semester!
You are going to have to study hard. Even though, as a pilot, you think you have been challenged, you will be challenged much, much more. When you take upper level Math and Physics, you'll develop a greater understanding of aviation that goes way beyond FAA ATP level!
You did say pilots need to know their stuff right?
Aviation is all about Physics!
You will have to put in hours of study when you either have little time, or simply don't want to. You will have to cope with a lot of deadlines, pressure, and stress. That will be a measure of your coping skills. You will be frequently tested. You will be measured. Your grades will be compared.
Will you succeed, will you fail, will you give up, will you graduate with a high or low GPA?
You haven't done it so who can say?
Maybe you will struggle with certain subjects and drop out. Hopefully not. But, these are the unanswered questions that make graduates so attractive among non-graduates. Thus far, you have not cut it. They have!
Sorry to be blunt but that's the way it is.
The answers to these questions will be very revealing and speak volumes about you when you're sitting in front of a panel at an interview for a high paying job.
In all likelihood, those interviewing you will have succeeded in attaining a 4 year degree or higher!
How are you going to present yourself in front of graduates who are interviewing mostly graduates?
It’s clear that you don’t appreciate, or have respect for, the amount of work it takes to graduate from a good school with a four year degree. Evidently you think it’s much easier than it is.
I’m curious as to how you attained your 2 years credit so far. Do you have an Associates in something? Did you actually put in 2 years at college or did you transfer credit from your ATP?
Also, what’s your major/minor in? Have you studied upper division classes before? Which ones will you take?
Personally, I think you have a mountain to climb. I think it’s daunting and that’s what’s getting to you. It’s unfortunate that you are studying for a four year degree in a system you don’t believe in. That will probably change when you gain a lot more knowledge than you have now.
Work experience is valuable but it's no substitute for a degree.
You can't be a Major without first being a student of 4 long years!
AL